Life with A Feeding Tube is Not "Worse Than Death"

Life With A Feeding Tube Is Not "Worse Than Death"

Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania recently published a report claiming 55% of people surveyed ranked reliance on a feeding tube “as bad as or worse than death.“ www.jamanetwork.com

I have had a feeding tube for over three years. Gastroparesis and intestinal dysmotility mean my stomach no longer functions and my small intestine does not absorb nutrients well. Having a feeding tube that bypasses my stomach and delivers a partially digested solution into my small intestine ensures my body can still get essential nutrients, calories and fluid. Without my feeding tube I would not be alive.

This website is an educational resource. It is not intended to provide medical advice or recommend a course of treatment. You should discuss all issues, ideas, suggestions, etc. with your clinician prior to use. Clinicians in a relevant field have reviewed the medical information; however, the Oley Foundation does not guarantee the accuracy of the information presented, and is not liable if information is incorrect or incomplete. If you have questions please contact Oley staff.

Updated in 2015 with a generous grant from Shire, Inc.

This website was updated in 2015 with a generous grant from Shire, Inc. This website is an educational resource. It is not intended to provide medical advice or recommend a course of treatment. You should discuss all issues, ideas, suggestions, etc. with your clinician prior to use. Clinicians in a relevant field have reviewed the medical information; however, the Oley Foundation does not guarantee the accuracy of the information presented, and is not liable if information is incorrect or incomplete. If you have questions please contact Oley staff.